Don't treat marriage as economic stimulus

If there is one noun in this world that should not have the word "quickie" in front of it, it is marriage.

Gov. Chris Christie did the right thing this week in vetoing legislation that would have eliminated the 72-hour waiting period for the issuance of a marriage license.

The bill's sponsors argued that same-day wedding licenses would provide an economic boon for New Jersey's wedding industry. But it is hard to see how you can plan a quickie reception for 100 guests. In any case, marriage should not be treated as an economic engine. If there would have been any economic benefit at all to this misguided bill, it would have been that quickie marriages often lead to quickie divorces, which at least would provide additional work for matrimonial lawyers.

As Christie put it, "This bill will only facilitate spontaneous ceremonies and hasty marriages. I am not persuaded that our laws should be changed on that basis. ... Entering into a marriage or a civil union is among the most important and life-altering decisions in a couple's life. The choice requires careful deliberation and thoughtful consideration. I cannot support legislation that might carelessly lead to more thoughtless marriages."

Neither can we.

While Connecticut, Rhode Island and 28 other states issue marriage licenses on the date of application, that does not mean New Jersey should follow in lock step.

Hardly anyone would argue against the notion that primary purpose of a wedding ceremony is the solemn and joyous celebration of a couple's love. It should not be entered into with wild abandon.

Christie was right to jilt this legislation.

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Don't treat marriage as economic stimulus

If there is one noun in this world that should not have the word 'quickie' in front of it, it is marriage.

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